Rome
Price €98
Min age 0
Rating 4.82 / 5 [2395 ratings]
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Travel bucket list idea:
Rome, Lazio, Italy
Credit Shutterstock.com/Annik Susemihl
Rome’s Jewish Ghetto is Europe’s most engaging and intriguing Jewish quarter, but its charming character belies its tragic past, culminating in the rounding up and deportation of some 2,000 Jewish inhabitants in 1943; only 15 returned.
Created in 1555 by Pope Paul IV, today the Ghetto has a villagey charm, lined with restaurants, kosher bakeries, small art galleries and a majestic, 1904 Synagogue.
The area also serves up some of the best food in the city – don’t miss traditional specialties such as carciofi alla giudia (deep fried artichokes), baccalà (cod in batter) and fried courgette flowers.
At the far end of Via Portico d’Ottavia is an archway to the ruins of an ancient walkway connecting the neighbourhood to the Roman Forum. On warm evenings, join locals hanging out at cafes and bars along the historic high street.
Nonna Betta is the Ghetto’s famed Italian/Kosher restaurant with reproductions of murals depicting life in the quarter in the 1800s. Book ahead of time to nab a sought-after table pavement side.
If you don’t mind standing in line, don’t leave the Ghetto without tasting Forno Boccione’s sweet and savory speciality, their Beridde pizza. This oblong pastry, on a caramelized base that’s slightly burnt, is made with candied fruit, nuts, and raisins.
The Ghetto is an easy, 5-minute stroll from the Campo Campo de’ Fiori and a 15- to 20-minute walk from the Colosseum.
Keep in mind that Saturday is the sabbath for observant Jews, so you may find many of the shops and restaurants closed on that day.
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